UL Online's bloghttp://online.louisiana.edu/blogs/ul-online
enOnly two courses stood between Steamer and her diplomahttp://online.louisiana.edu/only-two-courses-stood-between-steamer-and-her-diploma/446
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>To Dorsey Steamer, one thing counts more than all the records she set in softball and track at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the 1990s. She is proudest of her diploma, earned in 2016 when she took two final courses through online studies, some 23 years after her student days ended.</p>
<p>“For me to have that on my wall made all the difference in the world, because they changed my life,” said Steamer, who has always counted herself as a Ragin’ Cajun.</p>
<p>She is now a special education teacher for kindergarten through fourth grade pupils in the Brazosport Independent School District in Freeport, Texas, her native city. She coached softball in that district for years but switched to special education to spend more time with her three sons; one is a high school senior, and her twins are sophomores.</p>
<p><img alt="" class="media-image img__fid__465 img__view_mode__media_large attr__format__media_large" dir="ltr" src="https://online.louisiana.edu/sites/online/files/styles/large/public/slide-images/Dorsey%20steamer2RS_0.jpg?itok=XFb6vRbe" style="width: 243px; height: 160px; float: left; margin: 5px;" />Steamer was a <a href="https://www.athleticnetwork.net/site.php?pageID=37&amp;newsID=20537">star athlete</a> for the Ragin’ Cajuns and should have graduated in 1993, but she was missing a few credits. She had moved on to coach at the college level and played softball professionally. Then in 2014, she got back in touch with UL Lafayette to see if she could finish her degree.</p>
<p>Only two courses stood between Steamer and her diploma. She took advantage of online courses and earned her <a href="https://onlinedegrees.louisiana.edu/">bachelor’s degree in general studies</a> with a focus in behavioral sciences.</p>
<p>She liked studying online. “That is the best thing they ever came up with,” she said. “It was so important to have UL Lafayette on my bachelor’s degree, but I didn’t have to go back to campus. I could still be here to watch my boys grow up. I was able to put it on my plate and keep going.”</p>
<p>Her advice to anyone thinking of online study? “Pick up the phone, call a counselor, and get the ball moving. They are going to help you put everything in place.”</p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 27 Jul 2017 20:35:06 +0000UL Online446 at http://online.louisiana.eduRasmussen Gets Her Degree Online After 40+ year Breakhttp://online.louisiana.edu/rasmussen-gets-her-degree-online-after-40-year-break/445
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>Gee Gee Rasmussen entered the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1967, but with just six credit hours short of graduation, life intervened. She left school to move to California with her husband, who had been drafted and joined the Navy. Fast-forward 40-plus years, and Rasmussen is now an official Ragin’ Cajun, thanks to the University’s online courses.</p>
<p>Rasmussen, who lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, and is an office manager for H&amp;R Block, plunged back into studies online in 2014 and earned her long-awaited bachelor of general studies degree.</p>
<p>“With the support of my family, UL Lafayette, and all the instructors and advisers helping me, I finished in one semester and got my degree,” she said happily. Although she originally planned to be a teacher, her final concentration was in health studies. Since she studied online, she paid the same tuition as Louisiana residents.</p>
<p>Students like Rasmussen who need the flexibility of online education — taking courses anytime and anywhere — will have additional choices this fall when the University launches a new <a href="https://onlinedegrees.louisiana.edu/">online bachelor of general studies program</a>. The interdisciplinary program offers concentrations in <a href="https://onlinedegrees.louisiana.edu/bachelor-general-studies">Arts and Humanities, Behavioral Science or Applied Science</a>.</p>
<p>Rasmussen says the key to success with online study is being organized, because “you’re doing a lot of stuff on your own.” Family support is important, as is finding quiet time at home for studying.</p>
<p>She had some experience with online learning through her job, but Rasmussen advises anyone considering online courses to jump in “and take a class.” Whether starting a degree or finishing one after an absence, the end result is gratifying.</p>
<p>Did she return to Louisiana for her graduation?</p>
<p>“Yes!” she said. “They were going to mail me my diploma, but I said, there’s no way I’m not walking across the stage in my cap and gown and getting my degree.”</p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 06 Jul 2017 19:24:59 +0000UL Online445 at http://online.louisiana.eduConnie Lavergne: At the forefront of online teachinghttp://online.louisiana.edu/connie-lavergne-forefront-online-teaching/441
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>Connie Lavergne has taught at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for 34 years, but she’s not behind the times. On the contrary, she is at the forefront of <a href="https://onlinedegrees.louisiana.edu/">online education</a>, always learning new techniques and challenging herself.</p>
<p>“I love learning — I don’t mind tackling something I don’t understand because eventually you get it,” she says. And she does get it; after all, she has been teaching online courses since 2007.</p>
<p>A senior instructor in the <a href="http://kinesiology.louisiana.edu/">School of Kinesiology</a>, Lavergne is a <a href="https://distancelearning.louisiana.edu/teach-online/faculty-certification">certified ULearn Course Designer</a> and Online Teacher. This fall she will lead several online courses, including KNES 402, Organization and Administration for Kinesiology.</p>
<p>That course is a virtual internship; students run a business all semester in sports management, first picking a university and then assuming the role of the athletic director. Her students create sports schedules, develop budgets, and market their programs. Their work in the digital world goes beyond frequent use of texts and emails — they learn to share documents and calendars using the Google suite of technology tools and hold online meetings via Google Hangouts, recording the sessions for later review.</p>
<p>Her use of VoiceThread and Google Hangouts promotes student conversations, but Lavergne also provides direct instruction through integrated video resources and screencast recordings of technology demonstrations. Using the integrated tools allows her to track student engagement with the content.</p>
<p>She also incorporates a personal touch. Early each semester, she does optional one-on-one meetings with students, often using Skype or web conferencing, to develop a personal connection. She encourages students with questions to reach out to her via email or text messaging.</p>
<p>“I’m always there to help them but I’m not going to do it for them,” she says. “Students really have to take responsibility for their work. The real world happens that way.”</p>
<p>The online format — studying anytime, anywhere — works well for students with family responsibilities and jobs. One recent student took Lavergne’s class while traveling across Malaysia and Taiwan.</p>
<p>Grading, evaluating and being available for students outside usual hours is time consuming, but Lavergne loves to see her students succeed. She is always looking for new techniques that could put her students “a little bit ahead in the real world.”</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 28 Jun 2017 16:38:04 +0000UL Online441 at http://online.louisiana.eduOnline is Military Friendly: Resources for Veterans and Active Duty Seeking Online Degreehttp://online.louisiana.edu/online-military-friendly-resources-veterans-and-active-duty-seeking-online-degree/439
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>It’s a winning combination for veterans and members of the military on active duty — the ability to learn from anywhere and earn a degree by tapping into online courses and degree programs from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.</p>
<p>Spring 2017 graduate and U.S. Navy veteran Whitney Utter combined traditional on-campus classes with online courses to complete his bachelor’s degree in communications. The Lafayette native encourages other veterans to consider online learning as a way to meet their educational goals.</p>
<p>“A high school diploma just doesn’t take you as far as it used to — a college degree is the standard,” Utter says. “If you literally can’t get to campus, there has to be another way to do it. Studying online is definitely a step in that direction, to give that opportunity a chance.”</p>
<p>He took two communications courses online and found that the classes were well organized and very structured, with directions that were easy to follow. Professors who teach courses online “understand that they need to make themselves more available” to their students through email, online chats, and other lines of communication.</p>
<p>Members of the military, veterans, reservists and those serving in the Louisiana National Guard will find a “Military Friendly” approach to learning at UL Lafayette. The campus has been designated <a href="http://www.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20151105/university-earns-military-friendly-designation-second-straight-year">“Military Friendly”</a> through a nationally certified program.</p>
<p>In addition to all the benefits of online learning — organizing studies around your work and family schedule, learning wherever you are, the flexibility of studying at your own pace — veterans and members of the military can take advantage of many educational benefits available through governmental programs.</p>
<p>The University accepts GI Bill benefits and also is a Yellow Ribbon School, a program that covers the non-resident fee for out-of-state students who receive 100 percent of the <a href="http://veterans.louisiana.edu/content/benefit-types/va-benefit-chapters/chapter-33-post-911-gi-bill">Post-911 GI Bill</a>.</p>
<p>Earning a bachelor’s degree through online study is definitely an option for service members and veterans. Starting this fall, UL Lafayette is debuting its <a href="http://online.louisiana.edu/degree-programs/general-studies">online Bachelor of General Studies degree.</a> The University also offers three <a href="http://online.louisiana.edu/get-started/undergraduate-degrees">bachelor’s of science degrees in nursing and allied health fields</a>.</p>
<p>Master’s degrees in business administration, education, nursing and systems technology are all available through online study, as well as a doctorate in nursing practice.</p>
<p>UL Lafayette also is geared up to provide excellent support for the special needs of veterans and military members through its dedicated <a href="http://veterans.louisiana.edu/">Office of Veterans Affairs</a>, located in Room 115 of Foster Hall on campus. Anyone needing assistance also can phone 337-482-5206 or email <a href="mailto:veterans@louisiana.edu">veterans@louisiana.edu</a>.</p>
<p>The office, led by Director of Veteran Services Sammi Z. Conner, assists veterans and service members who need help with University admission and in obtaining educational benefits. The office helps in processing and certifying Veterans Administration benefits, clarifying VA and University guidelines, and monitoring academic progress and performance.</p>
<p>“The least we can do is to give back, for what they do for us,” Conner said. “From the time they apply to the University until they graduate, we are here to offer guidance and resources that will ensure academic success.”</p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 13 Jun 2017 19:05:42 +0000UL Online439 at http://online.louisiana.eduJump into online learning, says Alumnus Andrea Esslinghttp://online.louisiana.edu/jump-online-learning-says-alumnus-andrea-essling/427
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>She travels a lot for her work as a fundraising consultant, so when Andrea Essling read about an online graduate program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she knew it was for her. Now the proud owner of a <a href="https://online.louisiana.edu/programs/professional-writing">Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing</a>, she has this advice for other prospective students: “Jump in and do it!”</p>
<p>Essling began her online classes in the fall of 2015, spacing out the 15 hours of classes with her work and travel schedule. She admits the online format was challenging at first.</p>
<p>“The crutch of being able to raise your hand if you don’t understand something, I missed that. But the online format works out for my lifestyle. I did enjoy it, and I would encourage people to try it.”</p>
<p>Writing — such as grants and proposals — is a key element of her work with Community Counseling Service. Although her home is in her native Grand Rapids, Michigan, Essling has spent time working with clients in a number of states, including Texas and Louisiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University, also in Michigan.</p>
<p>The UL Lafayette professional writing program, however, has helped Essling learn to be a better writer and get experience with new writing formats. She especially enjoyed the class on writing blogs: “To learn everything that goes into the backstory of a blog is fascinating.”</p>
<p>Clear, concise writing is the key to success, she says. “The program has forced me to look at creating and developing documents in a new way, with a different approach.”</p>
<p>Essling has high praise for Assistant Professor <a href="https://english.louisiana.edu/node/192">Randy Gonzales</a>, who coordinates the Professional Writing Program for the Department of English.</p>
<p>She has a passion for lifelong learning that was handed down to her by her grandfather, Bob Wallace, and her father, Jack Essling, who would definitely be proud of her newest achievement. And she hopes her pursuit of education will encourage her four nieces. “If I can show them that through education you can have so many more opportunities to accomplish your dreams, then I have done my job.”</p>
<p>Essling, who is 48, had this advice for anyone who loves learning: “Keep going to school, continuing to learn, no matter how old or young you are.”</p>
<p>UL Lafayette’s Office of Distance Learning offers <a href="https://online.louisiana.edu/programs">online programs</a> for both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as graduate certificates.</p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 18 May 2017 13:50:21 +0000UL Online427 at http://online.louisiana.edu8 Ways to Ace a Job Interview!http://online.louisiana.edu/8-ways-ace-job-interview/425
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>You’ve launched your job search and landed an interview. Don’t try to “wing it” and go in unprepared, says Laine Blazevich of the Office of <a href="http://career.louisiana.edu/">Career Services</a> at the University of Louisiana Lafayette.</p>
<p>Blazevich and the Career Services staff coach students through the job search process. “A lot of students come in not knowing what to expect in that first professional interview,” he says. “We want to make sure they’re prepared, they put their best foot forward, make a good impression and hopefully land the job they want.”</p>
<p>Interviewing is a two-way process, adds Blazevich, who is assistant director of Career Services. The employer is interviewing the student just as much as the student is interviewing the employer — the job situation has to be a good fit for both.</p>
<p>Here are the key steps for a successful job interview.</p>
<p>1. Do Your Research<br />
You should be knowledgeable not only about the job you are interviewing for, but also the company you are interviewing with. Before the interview, conduct a thorough search on both the job and the company. Study the job description; become familiar with what the job entails and its requirements so that you can stress why you’re perfect for the position. Know the company’s mission and vision statements as well as some of its important facts, such as when it was established and by whom. Also, try to find out information about the group you would work with and the interviewers. This will help you prepare for the atmosphere of the interview.<br /><br />
2. Be Prepared<br />
Arrive to the interview 10 to 15 minutes early. Make sure that you are armed with all your credentials and necessities (e.g., your resume, a pen, a notepad, references, contact information) all filed neatly in a folder or briefcase. Review general interview questions and have answers prepared for them. Some interviewers suggest having a hook, something that makes you stand out from the other candidates and really magnifies your strengths. Once you have all of these tips down, practice them! Rehearse your icebreaker, your hook and how you would answer questions.</p>
<p>3. Look the Part<br />
Your appearance is the first thing that the interviewer will notice about you. In order to portray yourself as a competent candidate, avoid bright, gaudy colors, ill-fitting clothing, excessive jewelry or anything unprofessional. Opt for neutral tones such as black, tan, white, blue or grey — colors that suggest you are skillful and capable. Wear tailored clothing that fits your body type and keep the jewelry down to a minimum; simplicity is key.<br /><br />
4. Relax!<br />
It may seem daunting, but the actual interview is not nearly as nerve-racking as you might think it will be. Don’t stay up all night worrying or thinking of worst-case scenarios. Prepare your outfit and credentials the night before (have backups in case of accidents), get a good night’s rest, and eat an energizing breakfast the morning of the interview. Listen to your favorite song on your way there or call your best friend for some encouragement. Remember to smile during the interview (it will help you relax) and show enthusiasm about the opportunities this company has to offer. “If you’re prepared for the interview, then you’ll stay calm and relaxed,” Blazevich says.</p>
<p>5. Demonstrate Good Body Posture<br />
Body language speaks volumes. Show the interviewer how alert and interested you are by demonstrating good body posture. Sit erect with your back straight and your hands in your lap; try to keep your palms upward or your fingertips pressing in a steeple-like formation. You can also have your hands loosely clasped. Avoid hiding your hands in your pockets, folding your arms, fidgeting and using overly excessive hand gestures. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer — this shows that you are engaged in the conversation and actively listening to what he or she is saying. Looking around or looking down implies that you are nervous or disinterested.<br /><br />
6. Accentuate Similarities<br />
Studies have shown that you are more likely to be considered for a job if you share similarities with the interviewer. It can make a difference if the interviewer can relate to you. This does not mean you should abandon your personality, but you can accentuate characteristics that you and the interviewer have in common. For instance, if your interviewer has decorated his office with a sports team’s memorabilia, and you know things about that sport, you could use that commonality as an icebreaker.</p>
<p>7. Be Authentic<br />
While it is important to be prepared for the interview, don’t turn into a robot. You can still let your true self and personality shine through your professional demeanor. You should rehearse what you are going to say, but don’t memorize every answer. It is okay to pause slightly before you reply, to show that you are giving thoughtful, honest answers. Interviewers will appreciate your humility and candor. “Think of different experiences you have and discuss them,” Blazevich says. “It can be a class project, a work experience, a volunteer experience, any type of experience that shows the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for.”</p>
<p>8. Follow Up<br />
So the interview is over, and you think you’ve nailed it. Now ask the interviewer, what are the next steps? The response will help you know how to follow up. If they will be choosing a candidate within the next week, you can send a follow-up email within the next few days. Thank-you notes, on the other hand, are something you want to get out as soon as possible, preferably the next day. Following up will help you stay memorable and give you an edge over those who didn’t.</p>
<p>Career Services, located in Room 104 of the Conference Center, 200 Rex St., offers <a href="http://career.louisiana.edu/node/341">more helpful interview tips</a>, <a href="http://www.careerspots.com/newplayer/default.aspx?key=5RusccpPRrfdcSEof8d9sQ2&amp;pref=http://career.louisiana.edu/&amp;src=VLI&amp;">career advice videos</a> , seminars about the job search process and one-on-one coaching. To contact the office, call 337-482-1444 or email <a href="mailto:careerservices@louisiana.edu">careerservices@louisiana.edu</a>. The office provides services to UL Lafayette students and alumni in career planning, development and job-seeking strategies.</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 10 May 2017 21:00:47 +0000UL Online425 at http://online.louisiana.edu10 Tips for Balancing Work and Schoolhttp://online.louisiana.edu/10-tips-balancing-work-and-school/416
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>Many students look to online degree programs as a means of obtaining their undergraduate and graduate degrees while working full-time or close to it. Online learning is great for individuals who don’t have the option of taking a hiatus from work while obtaining their degree, but even with the added convenience, obtaining an online degree while working can sometimes feel like a balancing act. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers the following tips to help students achieve a healthy work-school balance.</p>
<p><strong>1. Get organized.</strong><br />
Create a personal calendar that incorporates important dates and deadlines from work, school and other personal obligations. Be sure to include deadlines on important projects and assignments from your course syllabus, and check your university's academic calendar for significant dates such as exam weeks and holidays. You should also document upcoming work engagements, such as staff meetings or work-related travel. <br /><br /><strong>2. Schedule time off in advance.</strong><br />
Now that you’ve got a schedule of work and school obligations charted out for the semester, you may need to decide if you’ll benefit by scheduling time off of work during peak study times such as midterms or finals week when your school schedule tends to get a bit hectic. Your employer will appreciate the advance notice, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind in knowing that you can fully concentrate on your academic objectives during those peak times. </p>
<p><strong>3. Adjust your mindset.</strong><br />
Working and going to school is not a walk in the park. It takes dedication and sacrifice to be successful. If you prepare yourself for sacrifice and know going into the semester that your nights and weekends may be spent studying instead of engaging in leisure activities, you will have an easier time when it comes to making those personal sacrifices. Remember to keep an eye on the finish line. Your short-term sacrifices will pay off in the long run by providing you with a degree that allows more professional and financial freedom. <br /><br /><strong>4. Blend work and school.</strong><br />
Whenever possible, combine your learning objectives with your work product. For example, a class project you complete could double as a work proposal and vice-versa. Incorporate real-life scenarios from your professional work experience into your coursework and apply what you are learning in class to improve processes in your workplace. It could get you that coveted A you’re working hard for as well as a promotion all at the same time. </p>
<p><strong>5. Become a master of mobile.</strong><br />
How much time have you spent waiting for food to arrive at a restaurant, sitting in a waiting room at a doctor’s office, or passing time in your car waiting for your child’s soccer practice to end? Chances are, more time than you would like. Get accustomed to studying and working from your phone, tablet or laptop, so that you can work from anywhere at anytime. By going mobile, you can increase your productivity. You’ll be able to return emails quickly and timely, and you won’t have a mountain of them in your inbox to sift through for when you sit at your desk. Spending ten minutes here and there on reading assignments and other coursework can really add up to some serious study time.<br /><br /><strong>6. Be open with your employer.</strong><br />
Communicate openly with your employer about taking online classes. You’ll probably find that your honesty will be met with appreciation, support and encouragement from your employer and co-workers. If you are taking online classes to advance the ranks in your current organization, your employer may even offer to provide tuition reimbursement to support your professional development. </p>
<p><strong>7. Discuss expectations with family.</strong><br />
If you are going to school, working full-time, and running a household, chances are you’ll be busy more often than not. You can help lessen the load by delegating some of your responsibilities to other family members. You may need to require your children to help out around the house with chores more than before, or ask your spouse to take charge of making sure bills are paid each month. Create a shared calendar that charts out each family member’s schedule and responsibilities so that everyone remains in the loop. Setting clear expectations for family responsibilities will save some time and headache for the whole family.</p>
<p><strong>8. Set realistic goals.</strong><br />
If you are working full-time, don’t bite off more than you can chew. You may need to schedule one or two classes per semester, instead of a full-time student course load. Spreading yourself too thin can lead to burn-out, poor performance and can eventually cause you to drop out of your degree program. Remember, slow and steady win the race. Setting your own, realistic pace will ensure you get to the finish line.<br /><br /><strong>9. Utilize student services.</strong><br />
Off-campus students can often forget about the great services offered by their university. A reputable degree program will offer student resources such as online tutoring, 24/7 technical support and online library services. When you’re looking to land that new job or internship, your university's career services department should be able to help you update your résumé without ever having to step on campus. <br /><br /><strong>10. Put work first.</strong><br />
For individuals supporting themselves and a family, a good job with a steady paycheck is a must. Having a stable job will allow you to support yourself, your family and may get you through school debt-free. Putting work first can ensure job stability and alleviate financial stress. Plus, if you get organized and follow all of the steps above, you will have no problem excelling in both work and school at the same time.</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 09 Sep 2016 17:13:46 +0000UL Online416 at http://online.louisiana.edu5 Tips for Success in Online Classeshttp://online.louisiana.edu/5-tips-success-online-classes/411
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><img alt="" class="media-image img__fid__411 img__view_mode__media_large attr__format__media_large" src="https://online.louisiana.edu/sites/online/files/styles/large/public/5%20Tips%20for%20Success%20in%20online%20classes%20infographic_1.png?itok=1SUd6Dw8" style="width: 192px; height: 480px; float: left; margin: 10px;" />Many students choose online classes because they afford the flexibility of scheduling classes around work, family and other personal obligations. Online courses offer the convenience of learning around your own schedule, but along with the higher level of autonomy comes greater responsibility. In fact, online classes require you to exercise an abundance of self-discipline, dedication and time-management. To some accustomed to traditional methods of learning, online learning can be an adjustment. With some extra preparation and following these helpful hints, you’ll be positioned to succeed in online classes. </p>
<p><strong>1. Create a study schedule.</strong><br />
Sure, you aren't traveling to the classroom at a specific time each day. But that doesn’t mean you cannot create your own personal study schedule. Carve out blocks of time to devote to each course and stick to the schedule. If you are studying from home, post your schedule in a prominent location of the house that can be easily viewed by family or roommates. Share your schedule with friends, family and others who are close to you so they have a clear understanding of when you are available to chat, text and interact. By creating a schedule and setting boundaries, you will find you are less distracted and more easily able to focus on your learning objectives.</p>
<p><strong>2. Find a study space that suits your needs.</strong><br />
Whether it is your favorite coffee shop, a home office or a break room at work, find a space that you are best able to concentrate and complete your coursework. Wherever you choose to study, make sure you have a reliable Internet connection. Let those around you know that you are engaged in learning and should not be disturbed. Can’t avoid a busy study environment? A a good pair of headphones might do the trick. If you find yourself going a little stir-crazy in your usual study spot, a change of scenery may be just what you need to get back on track. Make note of nearby locations that offer free wi-fi, such as your local public library, coffee shop, or recreation center. That way you’ll have more than one option if you suddenly find your usual learning space has been infringed upon by your loveable, yet demanding children or that chatty roommate who slows down your bandwidth streaming cat videos. </p>
<p><strong>3. Stay up to speed on technology.</strong><br />
Beyond making sure your home, office or other study space has a good Internet connection, you will also need to familiarize yourself with the latest educational technology used by your college or university. Make sure your web browser is up-to-date and that you have downloaded the necessary software required by your instructor. Many courses require you to utilize a variety of educational technology tools. Prior to the start of the semester, find out which tools your instructor will require you to use and familiarize yourself with them ahead of time. Avoid crunch time, when an assignment is due, to realize your equipment is not able to handle the technology demands to properly complete the assignment. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by new technology, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while. Remember to breath. New technology can be intimidating at first, but most institutions with online programs have faculty and free IT help support to assist you.</p>
<p><strong>4. Get to know your instructor.</strong><br />
Just because you aren’t taking a front-row seat three times a week in a traditional classroom doesn’t mean you can’t be a front-row student. Take an active role in building relationships with your instructors. At the start of the semester, email your instructors to introduce yourself. Keep lines of communication open. Ask questions when you don’t fully understand an assignment and give feedback when you particularly like an assignment or find an activity problematic. These strategies allow the instructor to fine-tune the online course and better understand the students’ needs, including yours. Many instructors hold online office hours where you can get some face time via webcam. Keep in mind, building meaningful connections with your online instructor can be valuable down the line when you need them to provide letters of reference for your internships or job applications. </p>
<p><strong>5. Interact with your peers.</strong><br />
Stumped on an assignment? There is no reason to feel alone. Many classes offer online forums, discussion boards and other ways to interact with your fellow classmates in a virtual group setting. You can get creative and organize a class Facebook group, Google+hangout or come up with a unique twitter hashtag for your class. Having the support of other students going through the same experience will give you an outlet to ask questions, exchange ideas, and can ultimately help you gain confidence in your study methods and work product.</p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 25 Aug 2016 18:11:10 +0000UL Online411 at http://online.louisiana.eduHELP! I can't see my courses in Moodle!http://online.louisiana.edu/help-i-cant-see-my-courses-moodle
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<p>Don’t see a course? Is something missing? By policy, courses in Moodle are not required to be “turned on” for students until the first day of class. If you do not see your course after that time, verify your registration in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fportal.louisiana.edu%3A8443%2FuPortal%2F&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNGAozVrKBaYO8_QFRnRSgzHBbqvrw" target="_blank">ULink</a> on the student tab under “Registered classes” just to make sure you’re actually registered for the class. If you don't see the course that you're supposed to be registered for, try to re-register or <a href="http://registrar.louisiana.edu/">contact the registrar's office</a>. If the classes that you are registered for do not match the courses listed in Moodle, contact your instructor to report the issue or contact the IT help desk using one of these methods:</p>
<p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu/node/163" target="_blank">Fill out this form</a><br /><a href="mailto:helpdesk@louisiana.edu?subject=I%20can't%20see%20my%20Course%20in%20Moodle&amp;body=CLID%3A%0ACourse%20name%3A%0ASection%3A%0A%0A%0A">Send an email</a><br />
Call 337.482.4357 - support available via phone 24 hours a day!. </p>
<p>Don’t be alarmed if you can’t see the the content of the whole course, some instructors open up course modules “as you go” so you won’t be able to see some course content until the instructor is ready to show it to you.</p>
<p>Some helpful links include: <a href="http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu/node/11">Help resources for Moodle</a>, <a href="http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu/sites/helpdesk/files/moodle%202%20basics-%20students_0.pdf">Moodle Student Guide</a>, <a href="http://online.louisiana.edu/student-support/tech-support">other Technical Requirements</a>.</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:56:11 +0000UL Online307 at http://online.louisiana.eduIs your browser ready for the semester?http://online.louisiana.edu/your-browser-ready-spring
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We want to make sure that you have all the elements in place to make sure that you are a successful hybrid or online student. </div>
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<a href="http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu/get-help/moodle/browsercheck">Use this browser check</a> to make sure that your browser plugins are updated and ready to work with UL's Learning Management System (LMS), Moodle.</div>
<p>Let’s try logging in. Go <a href="https://moodle2.louisiana.edu/">here</a>. You’ll need your university username (CLID) and password to login to Moodle. If you can’t find your password, you can get it <a href="http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu/get-help/catalog-services/university-ucs-account/password-help">at this link</a>. When your courses are available, they will be listed in the My Courses section (on the right sidebar after you login.) If you are unable to login, or have technical issues submitting an assignment or quiz during the semester, contact the<strong> IT help desk immediately</strong> using one of these methods:</p>
<p class="rteindent1"><a href="http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu/node/163">Fill out this form</a><br /><a href="mailto:helpdesk@louisiana.edu">Send an email</a><br />
Call 337.482.4357 - available via phone 24 hours a day!</p>
<p>Use the <a href="http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu/node/11">help resources for Moodle</a> to learn how to submit assignments, quizzes, surveys, use forums, and how to view grades. <a href="http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu/sites/helpdesk/files/moodle%202%20basics-%20students_0.pdf">The Student Guide</a> has more information about how to configure your profile and messaging options.</p>
<p>We’ve provided some resources for other technical requirements and suggestions <a href="http://online.louisiana.edu/student-support/tech-support">here</a>. If you haven’t checked them already, do it now. You may need to update your computer before you start the semester!</p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 06 Jan 2015 20:03:28 +0000UL Online305 at http://online.louisiana.edu